“I’m just so tired of watching myself and every single woman tie herself into knots so that people will like us.”

This sentiment, eloquently conveyed by America Ferrara in the film “Barbie,” resonates deeply and echoes the broader conversation sparked by the recent Academy Award nominations.

Ferrara, nominated for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Gloria in the hit movie, articulates a frustration that could very well be shared by the film’s director, Greta Gerwig, and lead actress, Margot Robbie. Both Gerwig and Robbie were notably absent from the nominations list in key Oscar categories — best actress and director — prompting a wave of discussion.

“Barbie,” a cinematic exploration of the invisibility and undervaluation often experienced by women, along with a commitment to dismantling the patriarchy, adds an ironic layer to the Oscars’ omissions. The very creators of this powerful narrative — Gerwig and Robbie — found themselves overlooked, while Ryan Gosling, who portrayed Ken, a character who discovers and briefly embraces patriarchy, secured a nomination for Best Actor.

But were Gerwig and Robbie really snubbed or was this hullabaloo because it was a feminist movie and the women central to the movie failed to get participation ribbons? I didn’t know; I hadn’t seen it. I wanted to find out.

So, I watched it this week, determined to defend Gerwig and Robbie. But I don’t know that I can. I’m not sure that I liked the film. It reminded me of a Jim Carrey production, whose humor I find off-putting. The acting was excellent, but I was so distracted by the humor, it was difficult to be drawn into the film. It occurred to me that to claim Robbie deserved a nomination, I’d need to be able to argue another actress didn’t deserve one in the best actress category. I couldn’t do that. I hadn’t seen the other films. That isn’t to diminish Robbie’s brilliance. She, along with Ferrara and Gosling, delivered remarkable performances.

So why was I still angry? Because it didn’t surprise me that Gerwig and Robbie weren’t nominated. Not because I didn’t think they were deserving but because I’m accustomed to women being overlooked or undervalued. The film industry has a long history of male actors receiving accolades while their female counterparts struggle for recognition. (Only eight women have ever been nominated for best director.)

Barbie’s controversy isn’t just about what’s wrong in Hollywood. It is a microcosm of the uphill battle women face in all sectors. The fact that Robbie, despite earning a Golden Globe nomination and winning the Critics Choice Award, was snubbed in the Oscar race for Best Actress is symbolic of the challenges faced by women striving for recognition. Women in boardrooms, laboratories, classrooms, and homes experience a similar struggle. It’s the pervasive notion that a woman’s achievements must be exceptional to be acknowledged, while men are routinely celebrated for less, often with the unacknowledged assistance of women, who receive no credit for their contributions. The “Barbie” controversy shines a light on the deep-seated sexism ingrained in the fabric of our society and often perpetuated by men and women alike.

“Barbie” boldly tackles the complexities of womanhood, dismantling societal expectations, and shedding light on the constant scrutiny women endure. Ferrara’s monologue encapsulates the paradoxical demands placed upon women: an intricate dance of beauty, intelligence, and perfection. It outlines the exhausting list of contradictory expectations, a sentiment echoed in the real lives of women. I may not have “liked” the film, but I thought it was brilliant. It’s a simple film, delivering a complex message in a beautiful, pink package that managed to draw audiences to hear.

As we dissect the Oscars’ snubbing of “Barbie,” it’s imperative to remember that this controversy extends beyond the glamor of the red carpet in some of the most important decisions impacting all of our lives. The frustration faced by women is illuminated by the current Republican presidential primary. Former President Trump, notorious for his controversial relationships with women, is running against former Governor and UN Ambassador Nikki Haley. Trump’s refusal to engage in a debate with Haley but rather insult her appearance and name-call to devalue her professional experience paints a stark picture of the challenges women confront. That is why we must reevaluate the criteria by which women’s worth and accomplishments are measured. Every Margot Robbie, every woman directing, producing, or starring in a film, represents the struggle of millions fighting for recognition and equality in their daily lives.

The conversation sparked by “Barbie” should serve as a catalyst for broader societal introspection. We must question the biases that perpetuate inequality and create an environment where women, both in Hollywood and elsewhere, are valued for their contributions, not confined to supporting roles only. Until then, the “Barbie” controversy remains an agonizing reminder that the fight for gender equality is far from over, both on and off the silver screen.

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